Franchise tags start flying

"Why wouldn't you?" one NFC general manager said. "It's getting a good player for one year without much risk. It makes sense for teams that don't have cap issues. You keep your own."

We saw the beginning of it Thursday when the Eagles put the franchise tag on receiver DeSean Jackson as expected, and word got out that the Raiders have told safety Tyvon Branch that he will be tagged.

It makes sense. You can get a player for a one-year deal -- if he doesn't agree to a long-term deal -- without much risk.

In Jackson's case, it really makes sense. The Eagles had issues with him last year. He has to show those are behind before they give him a long-term deal.

I know tagging him is what I would have done.

Show me you can produce for a year without incident. There's no question he has star potential, but it's more than just ability.

As for Branch, he should have been on the Pro Bowl team last year. He had an impressive season at a weak position in the NFL. It makes sense for the Raiders to keep him.

These are just the first two to get tagged. Get ready for a lot more -- even some you wouldn't expect.

Breaking news...

The editor or one of his assistants usually writes the headline: not the writer. Worse yet, the intern often writes the headlines. Prisco has written more than a few "clunkers" covering sports other than racing, but he can't be held responsible for this headline. I agree, though, that the headline is intentionally misleading to get more clicks.

As for those tags, it is officially "silly season" in the NFL. If you appreciate silliness, this is the best time of the year. Players will whine about being franchised when it is the best deal in the game today. Fanbases will cry about being "betrayed" by players who are doing the best they can for their families. Agents will keep their names in the media almost non-stop until the dust settles.